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Supension starts next week for Blackmon

Justin Blackmon has had several months to process the four-game suspension he will serve to begin the regular season, the result of violating the NFL’s Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.

But bit by bit this week, the reality of his ban has crystalized.

Blackmon, the Jaguars’ second-year receiver, participated in his last practice Tuesday until Sept. 30 and when he plays Thursday against the Atlanta Falcons, it will be his last game until Oct. 6.

“I try not to think about it at all because I know it’s going to be tough to sit here and watch the team,” Blackmon said inside the Jaguars’ locker room. “But all I can do is encourage them and try to help out in anyway.”

And the Jaguars want to reciprocate and have a support system, led by coach Gus Bradley, in place to help Blackmon.

Receivers coach Jerry Sullivan said he trusts Blackmon and Blackmon believes he has the trust of the entire staff.

But all involved know it’s ultimately up to Blackmon to be scared straight after his third substance-related incident in less than three years. The NFL announced the suspension on April 30, which is without pay.

Asked if Blackmon will handle the suspension correctly, one Jaguars veteran player shrugged his shoulders and said: “We’ll see. … We’re here for him.”

The Jaguars hope Blackmon benefits from still being around the team during the ban.

Per league rules, Blackmon can attend team and position meetings and use the stadium’s workout facilities, but can’t attend games or practices.

“It makes it a lot better than I can be here,” he said. “I’ll get to see the game plan and everything that’s going on. I’ll be doing everything but going out there and doing the physical part.”

The Jaguars are awaiting word if Blackmon can accompany them to the West Coast next month when they are headquartered in San Jose, Calif., between games at Oakland and Seattle.

Blackmon underwent groin surgery earlier this summer but has played in the last two preseason games.

“I think he’s really grown,” Bradley said. “I think he’s making progress on the other side, too, as far as putting his world in order and his life in order.”